Hi Folks,

I have been posting about my check engine light on my 97 F150, 4.6L. Code pulled has been 401. I replaced the DPFE with a new one, cleared code, light came back on again. I took a shot at removing the EGR valve for cleaning, and had some bad luck with the first bolt, and I had an awfully rusted/tight nut connecting the EGR valve to the exhaust tube. Ok, after soaking overnight with PB blaster, I finally got the EGR valve off!

Now what do I do? I know I am supposed to be cleaning something, but I am not sure what to look for. The EGR seems to have 2 openings - one that connected to the exhaust tube, and one that connected to the (i think) throttle body. I cleaned a little carbon out of there - but it didn't really look that bad. What should I be doing?

Also, if I blow into the little tube that is on top of the EGR valve (the tube that the green tube hooks onto) - should anything happen? Should I feel any flow of air coming out anywhere - because I tried and I don't feel any air. Guess I'm wondering how I know if my EGR is clean or not.

Thank you SO much! I know it may not seem like much, but for an automotive novice like me, this is great!

 

The SEARCH tool will help you find many recent (last week) threads with more than enough information to solve a P0401 code. Otherwise, just scroll backwards for a few days and look at the titles of previous threads.

Steve

PS. You have to suck on the vacuum line, not blow. It is a vaccum, not pressure, operated valve.